un-Tucked does the holidays
But say a prayer
Pray for the other ones
At Christmas time it’s hard” – Band Aid
Band Aid was a 1980s charity group that recorded “Do They Know it’s Christmas?” to raise money to fight hunger in Ethiopia. The lyrics contrasted the lives of the well-fed with the plight of the hungry at what is, for many, the most joyous time of the year.
It’s been 36 years since the song hit the airwaves yet it still makes holiday playlists. My best guess as to why is the song’s lyrics apply not just to hunger but to all suffering. Its truth is timeless.
I think of the destruction leveled worldwide by COVID-19 when I hear the song. Lives have been forever altered by the disease across the globe. Yes, it’s heartbreaking. But I also know that all is not lost. Especially not now, in the middle of the season of hope.
And that’s a reason to celebrate.
un-Tucked has uncovered several socially-distant holiday happenings this year by region, from “reverse parades,” to socially-distant visits with Santa, to outdoor strolls and more. They are shared in the list below. Just remember to celebrate smart: wear a mask, stay socially distant (at least six feet) from those outside your household, and stay home if you are sick or feel unwell.
Note: This is not an endorsement of any event. Please be kind and #maskup when in public.
East Kentucky
Prestonsburg
Christmas lights display at Archer Park. This annual drive-thru event is a local tradition and a perfect fit for a socially-distant holiday experience. Santa makes an appearance on the weekends. Check out the City of Prestonsburg’s Facebook page for more information.
Hazard
Christmas in a Small Town. 2020’s revised program still includes some beloved traditions including the Parade of Lights, which has been expanded this year. A “Musical Christmas Tree” — which plays 45 Christmas carols outside the county courthouse — and ice rink are also part of this year’s offerings.
Central Kentucky
Lexington
Lexington Reverse Christmas Parade. When parade floats can’t drive by the crowds, why not allow the crowds to drive by the parade floats? It’s called a “reverse parade,” and Lexington is just one of several Kentucky cities getting in on the fun. The Lexington Reverse Christmas Parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Midland Avenue between Winchester Road and Main Street. Santa will also make an appearance. (Extra fun? The ice rink is back through mid-January in Triangle Park.)
Millersburg
Christmas at Mustard Seed Hill. This new tradition runs through Jan. 2 with “Shine the Light!” featuring light displays, weekend vendors, and a Gingerbread House exhibit. It’s all free, but reservations are required; you can make yours here.
Nicholasville
Wild Lights. This musical light display at 112 Bernie Trail has grown in size and popularity since teen Zachary Nielson set up his first public light display in 2017. The show is free, although visitors are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Porter Memorial Baptist Church food ministry as a donation. Nielson invites visitors to view the show from the sidewalk or comfort of their car. He’ll leave the lights on for ya between 5:30-11 p.m. through Jan. 8.
Northern Kentucky
Newport
Winter Nights, River Lights. Northern Kentucky’s Purple People Bridge is decked out with 1,000 lights and lighted projections for this free family holiday stroll on the river every night from 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 15. It’s more than most holiday light lovers could ever want, but hard-core holiday romantics need not despair: there’s a Wish Tree on the Newport side of the bridge that could be the answer to your wildest winter dreams …
Covington
Holidays@BCM. Winter inside the Behringer-Crawford Museum at Devou Park is sure to impress kids of all ages this holiday season. Four floors of fun and learning await, including a Victorian Christmas display and animated scenes from the children’s book The Holiday Adventures of Wiley Wahoo and Me! by Diana Grady. You can enjoy all that Holidays@BCM has to offer Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., now through Jan. 3 except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Tickets are $5 for children ages 3-12, $9 for adults, and $8 for seniors. Parking is free.
West Kentucky
Bowling Green
The Reindeer Farm. Have you ever met a reindeer? Does it ever cross your mind how (or if) they can fly Santa’s sleigh? There’s plenty to learn about these incredible creatures at this West Kentucky farm that Blitzen and his friend Moodolf call home. Food trucks, crafts, visits from Santa and more are part of the fun down on this farm. Admission is $12, with children under age 2 admitted free.
Owensboro
Owensboro Christmas Lights. Located in the city’s Stonegate neighborhood, Owensboro Christmas Lights has been wowing locals and the West Kentucky region for 28 years. Drive-through and some walk-up displays will greet visitors this year from 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays throughout the Christmas season. The event is free.
